Medical device with user attention direction

ABSTRACT

A medical device having a unit in communication with ancillary components wherein the unit and the ancillary components each have a sensory output through which communication with a user of the medical device may be accomplished and the user&#39;s attention directed. In one aspect, the medical device is an AED unit with associated pads, which are an ancillary component electrically connected to the AED unit. In this illustrative example, the unit has a unit sensory output (e.g., a speaker or a display), and the pads, and/or their associated packaging, have an ancillary sensory output (e.g. a speaker or display). Programming in the AED unit controls output to the sensory outputs such that the user&#39;s attention is directed between the unit and the ancillary components.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 12/655,750 filed Jan. 5, 2010 entitled “Medical Device with UserAttention Direction.” The entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to medical devices, and, morespecifically, to medical devices using integral ancillary components,such as AEDs using pads, wherein the unit and the ancillary componenteach have a sensory output (e.g., a display).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

External defibrillators are emergency medical devices designed to supplya controlled electric shock (i.e., therapy) to a person's (e.g.,victim's) heart during cardiac arrest. This electric shock is deliveredthrough the pads that are electrically connected with the externaldefibrillator and in contact with the person's body.

To provide a timelier rescue attempt for a person experiencing cardiacarrest, some external defibrillators have been made portable, byutilizing battery power (or other self-contained power supplies). Inaddition, many portable external defibrillators have programming to makemedical decisions making possible operation by non-medical personnel.

These portable external defibrillators, commonly known as automatedexternal defibrillators (AEDs), including automatic and semi-automatic,have gained acceptance by those outside the medical profession and havebeen deployed in myriad locations outside of traditional medicalsettings. Due to the life saving benefits of AEDs, more and more AED arebeing purchased and deployed in public areas for use by the public. Thisallows for a rescue attempt without the delay associated with bringingthe person to a medical facility, or bringing a medical facility to theperson (e.g., a life support ambulance).

Individuals as well as businesses are purchasing and deploying AEDs. Astime is of the essence during any rescue attempt, multiple AEDs may bepurchased by any particular individual or user to allow placement atmultiple locations. In the case of an individual, this could be onseveral floors of a home, and in the case of a business, this could befor placement throughout a facility (e.g., factory, office building, orlarge retail center). Thus, regardless of where the victim is within thehome/facility, access to an AED would only be seconds, or minutes, away.

As indicated above, it is anticipated that many AEDs will be operated ina rescue attempt by members of the public who have none or minimaltraining, but none to minimal practical experience. In order to enhancethe chances of a successful rescue attempt, these users will needassistance. In all likelihood, this assistance will come from the AED,in the form of instructions. Presently, AEDs incorporate both visual andaudio systems to deliver instructions to a user.

The problem with present methods of delivering instructions is that theuser's attention is diverted from the victim to the AED unit. Morespecifically, when an AED is used in a rescue attempt, a user typicallyis required to focus on the victim, but receives instructions from theAED unit. As a result, the user's attention is constantly being directedback to the AED unit even though the user's attention at that momentshould be focused elsewhere. What is needed in the art is a bettermethod to delivering instructions to a user, such that the user'sattention is properly directed.

Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the presentinvention will become apparent for the subsequent detailed descriptionof the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a medical device having a unit in communication withancillary components wherein the unit and the ancillary components eachhave a sensory output through which communication with a user of themedical device may be accomplished and the user's attention directed.

In one aspect, the medical device is an AED unit with associated pads,which are an ancillary component electrically connected to the AED unit.In this illustrative example, the unit has a unit sensory output (e.g.,a speaker or a display), and the pads, and/or their associatedpackaging, have an ancillary sensory output (e.g. a speaker or display).Programming in the AED unit controls output to the sensory outputs suchthat the user's attention is directed between the unit and the ancillarycomponents.

Other features, attainments, and advantages will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon a reading of the description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an illustrative AED on which the presentinvention may be used.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the AED depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the components of the AEDdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is illustration of an ancillary component holder having a displaythereon, with alternative content for display on the display.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a pad having a display thereon, withalternative content for display on the display.

FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram of a selective portion of some main stepsan AED uses to provide assistance to a user in a rescue attempt.

FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram of sub-steps that may be contained in thestep of applying the pads, shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an AEDunit 100. As seen in this FIG. 1, the AED unit 100 has sensory outputs(i.e., a video display 102, a speaker 104), an audio output jack 105,and a user interface 106. The AED unit 100 further includes an ON/OFFswitch 108, a shock switch 110, a ancillary connector 112, and an activestatus indicator 114 (e.g., a light source which blinks green indicatingin OFF sub-mode and operating normally, solid green indicating in ONmode and operating normally, solid red indicating in ON mode with aproblem, and blinking red indicating in OFF sub-mode with a problem).

The ancillary connector 112 connects an ancillary component 116, in thiscase pads, to the AED unit 100. Ancillary components 116, such as pads,are an integral ancillary component. More specifically, the pads arerequired for the AED unit 100 to be used. In a rescue attempt, the padsconnect a victim to the AED unit 100, thereby permitting the AED unit todeliver a shock to a victim.

Referring to FIG. 2, the AED unit 100 further includes a card port 118(not visible) for providing an electronic interface for a card 120. Thecard 120 illustrated is a secure digital card (commonly referred to asSD card), but other removable memory devices (e.g., card ports andtypes), well known to those skilled in the art, could be used. It ispossible the card 120 may not be required for the AED unit 100 toperform its medical procedure, as the card may be used as a datarecorder.

Additionally, the AED unit 100 further includes a standardized interfacesocket 122, e.g., universal serial bus (more commonly known as a USBport). Depending upon programming, the standardized interface socket 122can permit the AED unit 100 to interface with any number of devices,such as a keyboard and/or mouse 124, or a mass storage device 125 (seeFIG. 3). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, other devices,such as a computer, could be connected using a universal serial bus.

Further, the AED unit 100 includes a battery 126 (removed from AED unitfor clarity) that provides the main power. While an internal batterycould be used, the illustrated battery 126 slides into a battery slot128 in which the battery may be secured permanently (i.e., non-userremovable) or removably (i.e., user removable). Where the battery 126 isremovably secured in the battery slot 128, a faulty battery cangenerally be replaced by a user. It should be appreciated that the AEDunit 100 could also be powered by connection to a power grid (e.g., atypical 120 v outlet) (not shown), but portability of the AED resultsfrom the ability of the device to function exclusively on battery power.In addition, an ability to recharge the battery 126 could be provided(not shown). The implementation of power from a power grid and battery126 recharge capabilities are well known to those skilled in the art.

It should be appreciated that the card port 118, as illustrated, islocated inside the battery slot 128. As a result, the battery 126 mustbe removed to insert or remove the card 120 from the card port 118. Itis certainly possible to relocate the card port 118 to provide easieraccess to insert and remove the card 120 from the card port.

Additionally, the AED unit 100 may include a network interface 130. Thenetwork interface 130 may permit the AED unit 100 to communicate withanother computer 132 (see FIG. 3), such as by an intranet, an internet,or pier-to-pier. The network interface 130, while illustrated as wired,could be wireless, optical, or otherwise. Common network interfacesinclude a 10/100 network connection, infrared (IR), firewire and Wi-Fi.Those skilled in the computer networking arts are familiar withprogramming and implementing these types of network interfaces.

Further, the AED unit 100 may have an ancillary component slot 133. Theancillary component slot 133 stores the ancillary component 116. Itshould be appreciated that ancillary component 116 in the case of an AEDis most likely a pad pouch (discussed below) for protection of the padsfrom the environment. Further, the ancillary component slot 133 can bedimensioned to hold all or just some portion of the ancillary component116. Where the ancillary component 116 is merely placed in the ancillarycomponent slot 133, the dimensions of the pad slot should be sufficientto hold the ancillary component 116 such that it can be moved with theAED unit 100.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram AED unit 100. In addition, FIG. 3also shows the interface of the AED unit 100 with various accessorycomponents discussed above, such as the ancillary component 116, anothercomputer 132, a keyboard and/or mouse 124, and a mass storage device125.

The AED unit's 100 circuitry (collectively referred to by referencenumber 200) includes a main processor 202, an active status indicator(ASI) processor 204, an ECG module 207 for receiving and conditioningECG signals received using the ancillary component 116 (e.g., the pads116), a shock system with feedback 208, and a GDM processor 214, whichare all powered by the battery 126. The main processor 202, ASIprocessor 204, and GDM processor 214 include programmable circuitry, forrunning programs, including control programming, stored in memories 212Aand B. As those skilled in the art of computer circuitry design willappreciate circuit design alternatives are numerous, thus the presentinvention should not be considered limited by this exemplary circuitry.

Where the ancillary component 116 is a single use item, the ancillarycomponent 116 is temporarily connected to the AED unit 100 by anancillary connector 112A, B (two cooperating parts, such as male andfemale portions, that form a temporary electrical connection). Theancillary component 116 is electrically connected to the shock system208 and the main processor 202. The electrical connection for theancillary component 116 with the shock system 208 permits an electricaldischarge within the AED unit 100 to be transmitted to a victim. Theelectrical connection to the pads from the main processor 202 allowscontent generated within the AED unit, to be transmitted to a sensoryoutput 117. It should be appreciated that various drivers (not shown)may be needed to convert the content from the main processor 202 into ausable form for the sensory output 117.

The AED unit 100 has two primary modes—OFF and ON. The OFF mode,sometimes referred to as an OFF mode, has several sub-modes includingSELF-TEST and AUXILIARY. The OFF-SELF-TEST sub-mode is the default mode.More specifically, the AED unit 100 must always be in a mode. Thus, whenthe AED unit 100 is referred to as being in the OFF mode, it is in oneof the sub-modes. For a user, the ON mode, which is activated by theON/OFF switch 108, means that the AED unit 100 has been activated toperform a rescue.

In the OFF SELF-TEST sub-mode, the circuitry 200 of the AED unit 100utilizes minimal power to maintain basic functions of the AED such asrunning a clock 210 (which is shown as having a backup battery) andautomatically (i.e., without human intervention) initiating self-tests,so that scheduled self-diagnostic maintenance checks in response to thepassage of time are performed.

Generally, for a rescue attempt, the AED unit 100 is put into the ONmode from the OFF SELF-TEST sub-mode by operation of the ON/OFF switch108. After the rescue attempt, the AED unit 100 may be put back into theOFF SELF-TEST sub-mode by operation of the ON/OFF switch 108. The AEDunit 100 may contain programming to put it back into the OFF SELF-TESTsub-mode automatically.

The main processor 202 is capable of executing computer programming,stored in memory 212A, and primarily controls the AED unit 100 in the ONand OFF sub-modes, excluding the OFF SELF-TEST sub-mode. The ASIprocessor 204 is also capable of executing computer programming storedin memory 212 and primarily controls the AED unit 100 in the OFFSELF-TEST sub-mode, but does perform self-tests by awaking the mainprocessor 202 which determines the necessary self-test and retrieves andruns the applicable computer programming. The ASI processor 204,however, provides backup to the main processor 202 in the event of afailure of the self-test programming that should have run on the mainprocessor. In other words, both the main processor 202 and the ASIprocessor 204 are capable of controlling the output displayed via theactive status indicator 114.

In the ON mode, unlike the OFF sub-modes, the AED unit 100 circuitry 200is capable of delivering a shock via the ancillary component 116 to apatient. For example, the main processor 202 controls the shock system208. In the ON mode, the shock system 208 is charged and then may bedischarged through the ancillary component 116, if appropriate, as aresult of pressing the shock switch 110. If a shock is deemedinappropriate, the shock system 208 is capable of being internallydischarged. When the ON mode is entered, the circuitry 200, however, maybe checked by a self-test.

The OFF AUXILIARY sub-mode may be manually entered using the userinterface 106. This is discussed below in detail.

The video display 102, which is driven by drivers running on the GDMprocessor 214, should be capable of displaying images, such as text,pictures, or combination, stored in a video format (i.e., captured inframes). As illustrated, the video display 102 is an integratedcomponent of the AED unit 100.

The video display 102 is a display ideally capable of pixel, orequivalent, addressing. Well known types of displays that meet thisrequirement are liquid crystal displays (LCD), plasma displays,projection displays and cathode ray tubes (CRT). Depending upon therequirements of the specific application, the video display 102 may beblack and white, gray scale or color.

The video display 102 may perform multiple functions depending upon themode. For example, the video display 102 in the ON mode may displayinformation related to performing a rescue attempt to guide a userthrough the procedure. When in the OFF AUXILIARY sub-mode, the videodisplay 102 may allow a user to select and to run desired programming,which is discussed below. More specifically, the user interface 106 maybe used to enter the OFF AUXILIARY sub-mode, which in turn starts agraphical user interface (GUI) on the video display 102.

Through selections made on the GUI, the AED unit 100 when in the OFFAUXILIARY sub-mode may be put into the ON mode, or back into the OFFSELF-TEST sub-mode. Normally, the AED unit 100 defaults to the OFFSELF-TEST sub-mode by merely exiting the OFF AUXILIARY sub-mode, whenthe proper option selection on the user interface 106 is made. However,in an emergency, the ON/OFF switch 108 could activate programming uponoperation (OFF to ON) (e.g., act as an interrupt) that terminates theOFF AUXILIARY sub-mode and puts the AED unit 100 in the ON mode. In thealternative, the GUI interface could display an option which uponselection using the user interface 106 switches the AED unit 100 fromthe OFF AUXILIARY sub-mode to the ON mode.

When in the OFF AUXILIARY sub-mode, the AED unit 100 has controlprogramming that permits a user to navigate through the variousprograms, or information, to which the AED unit has access. For example,a menu may be presented on the video display 102 that allows a user toselect from such options as VIEW UNIT INFORMATION, MAINTENANCE MENU,TRAINING MENU, and HELP. Generally, options are arranged in a hierarchalorder. Therefore, selection of an option could activate, or start, aprogram to which the AED unit 100 has access, such as in memory 212A, orit could result in another menu from which further selections could bemade.

In order to use the GUI, users interact with the AED unit 100 by usingthe user interface 106 to respond to or select options displayed on thevideo display 102 or entering data into the AED unit. A rudimentary userinterface 106 having three push-buttons is illustrated (see FIG. 1).

This type of interface is most effective when the video display 102 isprogrammed to display a series of displays wherein each display containsselectable options. More specifically, the video display 102 isactivated (e.g., enters the OFF AUXILIARY sub-mode) by pressing one ofthe switches of the user interface 106 that in turn presents one or moreoptions on the video display. A user then scrolls generally sequentiallythrough the options using one switch for up and another for down placinga cursor on an option. When the cursor is on the desired option, theuser selects the option by pressing the third switch. Typically, thethree switches will be presented to the user with the two scrollswitches having the select switch in between.

It should be appreciated that this is but one user interface. An exampleof a more sophisticated user interface is the keyboard (e.g., QWERTY)and/or mouse 124.

In addition, the video display 102 could have the user interface 106incorporated. More specifically, the video display 102 could be aninteractive display, such as a touch display (e.g., touch screen) ordisplay that interacts with a light pen. As those skilled in the art ofcomputer circuitry design will appreciate, where an interactive displayreplaces an output only type display, the need for additional userinterfaces, such as a keyboard or a mouse, is minimized, or eliminated.

While the user interface in the interactive display may mimic the userinterface 106 discussed above, it may be enhanced. More specificallyusing the example of a touch display, option selections could be madedirectly without scrolling and data could be entered using an on-displaykeyboard, or even direct handwriting.

It should be appreciated that the above-discussed user interfaces arenot an exclusive list and one need not be used to the exclusion ofanother. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, multiple userinterfaces may be used simultaneously.

The speaker 104 and audio output jack 105 are part of the audio in/out.The speaker 104 may be used for presenting audible information, such asinstructions using words, or alerts using sounds, or it may act as amicrophone to allow audible information, such as speaking, to berecorded into memory, such as the memory 212. The speaker 104 in the OFFSELF-TEST sub-mode may be used to provide a sound, such as a chirp, toindicate that maintenance of the AED unit 100 is required.

As described above, the ON/OFF switch 108 may be operated by a user toswitch the AED unit 100 between OFF (i.e., OFF SELF-TEST sub-mode) andthe ON mode. When the AED unit 100 is in its ON mode, the ancillarycomponent 116, which maybe attached to the AED unit 100 via theancillary connector 112, may be used to monitor ECG information from apatient to determine if the patient's cardiac rhythm is suitable fordefibrillation shock, or whether the rhythm is a non-shockable rhythm.The ancillary component 116 acquires patient data that is transmitted tothe main processor 202, via the ECG module 207. The main processor 202has programming suitable for analyzing the data to determine if ashockable rhythm is present. The programming and the parameters todetermine a shockable rhythm are known to those skilled in thedefibrillator art.

The main processor 202 has operational programming that permits the AEDunit 100 to perform its medical procedure, such as in the case of an AEDdefibrillation. For an AED, this operational programming may includeprocedures for evaluating whether a victim has a shockable rhythm andfor properly charging the shock system 208 to deliver a proper shock.Operational programming for AEDs is well known in the art.

As indicated above, the AED unit 100 is generally put into the ON modeby a user pushing the ON/OFF switch 108. After entering the ON mode, theAED unit 100, in addition to running basic programming needed to performits medical purpose (e.g., heart rhythm analysis to determine ashockable rhythm and developing a shock potential), may have additionalprogramming, such as assistance programming (e.g., coaching program, toprovide assistance to the user in performing a rescue attempt).Programming for use in a rescue attempt is generally stored in memory212.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ancillary component 116, such as pads which canbe crumpled, may be stored in an ancillary component holder 402, such asa pad holder. The ancillary component holder 402 protects the ancillarycomponent 116, primarily from environmental degradation. In the case ofpads, the pads may be hermetically sealed inside the pad holder.

The ancillary component 116 is connected to the AED unit 100 by a cable412 (see FIG. 5). The cable 412 connects to the AED unit 100 using anancillary connector (see FIGS. 1 and 3).

The ancillary component holder 402 may have sensory outputs. Morespecifically, the ancillary component holder 402 may have a display 404for displaying one or more images 406, 408, and 410. Image updates maybe provided from the AED unit 100 via a cable 412. The ancillarycomponent holder 402 may have a speaker 414.

In addition to or in the alternative, the ancillary component holder 402may have an audio output 414, such as a speaker, which would be incommunication with the AED unit 100 via the cable 412.

The cable 412 may have multi-conductors. More specifically, as indicatedabove, the cable 412 connects the ancillary component 116 to the AEDunit 100, but it may also contain wiring to support the display 404 andthe speaker 414. Where the cable 412 is a single multi-strand cable, theinterface for all the strands with the AED unit 100 should be through asingle ancillary connector 112. If the cable 412 is merely a compositeof multi-cables (e.g., one for the pads, one for the speaker and one forthe display), the cables should be connected to the AED unit 100 usingone or more temporary connectors, such as plug and socket connectors, sothat the ancillary component 116 can be easily replaced. As thoseskilled in the art will appreciate, data can be transmitted in manyways, for example wirelessly or using a single wire with mixed data,therefore the foregoing should be considered illustrative only.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ancillary component 116 may also have sensoryoutputs. More specifically, the ancillary component 116 may also have adisplay 506 and/or a speaker 504.

Connection of the display 506 and/or speaker 504 is the same as thatdescribed above for display 404 and speaker 414 associated with theancillary component holder 402.

The pads 116 are generally only viewed during a rescue attempt when theyare removed from the ancillary component holder 402 (e.g., a padholder), the content on the display 506 will generally containinstructional material. As illustrated typical content could include anillustration as to removal of a backing 508 on the pads 116, whichexposes the adhesive and gel, then after that is accomplished updatingto content on the display 502 to show where to place the pads on avictim 510, and then determine if the pads are properly attached.

Where the ancillary component 116 and/or ancillary component holder 406,is flexible, a suitable display should also be flexible. In the case ofpads used with an AED, a flexible display will allow proper placement ofthe pads on a victim. More precisely, the pads 116 are flexible so thatthey will contour to the surface on which they are being placed.

Flexible displays can be serially addressable or optically addressable.The images are extremely stable and can even be retained if power islost, or the driving electronics are decoupled. Where the display is anoptically addressed ChLCD, an image, which was created on the display byoptical addressing, is exposed. More specifically, a single pulse at asingle voltage is applied to the display exposing the image. Thus, thedisplay can appear blank (i.e., “off’) and then on queue display content(I.e., “on”). It should be appreciated if an optically addressed displayis used, updating of the display after installation on the ancillarydevice is not practical.

It should be appreciated that automatic updating (i.e., updating donewithout user intervention) of content on a display requires that the AEDhave some mechanism for determining when to update the content. Incertain cases, the AED could have the sensors with associatedprogramming to recognize when an event has been accomplished, thusupdating should occur. In other cases, updating could occur merely as aresult of the passage of time. The sensors and programming to accomplisheither mechanism is well known to those skilled in the art. Generally,the type of content and the updating of that content will be directlyrelated to the assistance programming provided by the AED unit 100.

It should be appreciated where there are multiple ancillary components116 or auxiliary component holders 402, each could have an outputdevice, such as a display or speaker.

When the AED unit 100 is turned ON, by pushing the ON/OFF button 108 toaffect a rescue attempt the AED unit has programming to assist the user.More specifically, programming in the AED unit is designed to instructthe user on the steps necessary to perform a rescue attempt. Theseinstructions are provided in an intelligible form, such as words,phrases, or diagrams, depending upon the capabilities of the AED unit.

A representative portion of a sequence of instructions for providinguser assistance is shown in FIG. 6. This illustrated portion of AED userassistance programming has three main steps—applying pads 602, analyzingthe victim's heart rhythm to determine if there is a shockable rhythm604, and shock delivery 606, if appropriate. The AED unit might alsoinform the user when it is time to perform certain functions, such asperforming CPR and when not to touch the victim (e.g., when the AED isanalyzing the victim's heart rhythm to determine if a shockable rhythmis present).

As shown in FIG. 7, the main step of apply pads to a victim has the fivesub-steps of—locating the pads package in the back of the AED unit 702,plugging in pads connector 704, opening the pads package to gain accessto the pads 706, remove the pad's protective backing 708, and applyingthe pads to patient's bare chest 710. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, depending upon feedback circuits that the AED unit 100 mayhave to determine its present status, certain sub-steps may be omittedor repeated. For example, if the AED unit 100 can determine that thepads connector is plugged in, the sub-step directing the plugging in ofthe pads connector may be omitted. Alternatively, if the pads areexpired and the programming of the AED can determine this, a sub-stepinstructing the user to replace the pads with new pads might be added.

Using the illustrated sub-steps associated with applying the pads, userattention direction will be illustrated. User attention direction isbased on the AED providing guidance to the user through varioustechniques on where the user's attention should be focused. For example,should the user be interacting with the AED unit 100 or the victim.

The degree and type of direction that the AED can provide depends on thecapabilities of the AED unit 100, the ancillary component 116, and theancillary component holder 402. The illustrative AED described above hasan AED unit 100 having a display 102 and a speaker 104, an ancillarycomponent 116 having a display 506 and a speaker 504, and an ancillarycomponent holder 402 having a display 404 and a speaker 414. It shouldtherefore be appreciate a lesser equipped AED may require modificationof the method.

Beginning with the first sub-step—locating the pads package in back ofunit, this instruction could be given from the AED unit 100 speaker 104.It could also be given on the AED unit 100 display 102. This woulddirect the user's attention to the AED unit 100.

The next step, if needed,—plug in pads connector, could also be given bythe AED unit's speaker 104 and/or display 102. This would keep theuser's attention focused on the AED unit.

The next sub-step—open pads package, would be given by the pad package'sspeaker 414 and/or display 404. This would direct the user's attentionto the pads package and away from the AED unit 100. At this time, thepad package's display 404 could show an illustration as to how the padpackage is to be opened. (see FIG. 4).

The next sub-step—remove pad backing, could be given by the pad'sspeaker 504 and/or display 506. This would direct a user's attention tothe ancillary component 116. At this time, the display 506 couldillustrate how to remove the backing. (see FIG. 5).

The next sub-step—apply pads to patient's bare chest as shown could begiven by the pad's speaker 504 and/or display 506. This would tend tokeep the user's attention directed at the pads.

It should be appreciated that a command may be similarly given from thespeaker and display, or given differently. More specifically, a speakermay give the command while a display might give a picture of theintended outcome, as shown in FIG. 5 and identified by reference number510. This figure could be associated with the sub-step command of applypads to patient's bare chest.

While the above illustrative example has relied on sound to redirect theattention of a user, other redirecting procedures could be used. Forexample, the messages on the various displays could be used. As shown inFIG. 5, the display 506 could give the message PUSH SHOCK BUTTON ONUNIT. This command would redirect the user's attention from the victimback to the AED unit 100.

It should be appreciated that when there are several speakers andseveral displays, numerous combinations of command presentations couldbe used to redirect constantly a user's attention.

It should also be appreciated that the commands given do not necessarilyneed to be intelligible (e.g., words, phrases, or pictures). Forexample, beeps could be used. For example, in the case where both theunit and the ancillary component both have a speaker, the beep wouldoriginate from the item to which a user's attention should be directed.

This same strategy could be applied for a display. The display couldflash or have a flashing character, such as an exclamation point.Alternatively, a message on one display could direct the user'sattention somewhere else, such as from the pads to the unit.

The programming required herein is within those skilled in the art basedupon the descriptions provided. More specifically, programming of AEDsis well known in the art, as is programming of instructional material onAEDs related to assisting a user in a rescue attempt.

Alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertainswithout departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, although thisinvention has been described in exemplary form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it should be understood that the present disclosure hasbeen made only by way of example and that numerous changes in thedetails of the construction and the combination and arrangement of partsor steps may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention isdefined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description.

What is claimed is: 1-10. (canceled)
 11. A medical device havingancillary components comprising: a medical device capable of performinga medical procedure; an ancillary component in communication with themedical device which is integral to the performance of the medicalprocedure; and a sensory output associated with the ancillary component,the sensory output in communication with the medical device, the medicaldevice having programmable circuitry with programming, the programmingcapable of generating and sending output to the sensory output foroutput.
 12. The medical device of claim 11 wherein the medical device isan AED and the ancillary component is a pad.
 13. The medical device ofclaim 12 further including a pad holder, the pad holder being a storagecontainer for the pad, the pad holder having thereon a second sensoryoutput, the second sensory output being in communication with theprogrammable circuitry of the medical device, the programmable circuitryhaving programming capable of generating and sending output to thesecond sensory output for output.
 14. The medical device of claim 12wherein the sensory output is a display.
 15. The medical device of claim12 wherein the display is flexible.
 16. The medical device of claim 12wherein the display has a zero power operational characteristic.
 17. Amedical device having ancillary components comprising: a medical devicecapable of performing a medical procedure; an ancillary component incommunication with the medical device which is integral to theperformance of the medical procedure and contained in an ancillarycomponent holder; and a sensory output associated with the ancillarycomponent holder, the sensory output in communication with the medicaldevice, the medical device having programmable circuitry withprogramming, the programming capable of generating and sending output tothe sensory output for output.
 18. The medical device of claim 17wherein the medical device is an AED and a pad is stored within theancillary component holder.
 19. The medical device of claim 17 whereinthe sensory output is a display.
 20. The medical device of claim 19wherein the display has a zero power operational characteristic.
 21. Themedical device of claim 17 wherein the display is flexible.